Asked by bob

Read the excerpt from an analysis of Act III of Hamlet.

The fight between Hamlet and Gertrude reinforces gender stereotypes, as Hamlet judges Gertrude and she accepts his criticism without attempting to justify her actions.

Which excerpt provides the best evidence to support the analysis?

Gertrude: What wilt thou do? thou wilt not murder me?
Help, help, ho!
Gertrude: What have I done that thou dar’st wag thy tongue
In noise so rude against me?
Gertrude: O gentle son!
Upon the heat and flame of thy distemper
Sprinkle cool patience. Whereon do you look?
Gertrude: Be thou assur’d, if words be made of breath,
And breath of life, I have no life to breathe
What thou hast said to me.

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
"Be thou assur’d, if words be made of breath,
And breath of life, I have no life to breathe
What thou hast said to me."

This line best supports the claim: Gertrude accepts Hamlet’s condemnation and gives up any attempt to defend or justify her actions, showing submissive acceptance rather than rebuttal.